Format guide
Can JPEG, PNG and WebP images contain metadata?
Yes. JPEG files can contain EXIF, XMP, ICC, IPTC and C2PA records; PNG files can contain text chunks, EXIF, ICC and caBX Content Credentials; WebP files can contain EXIF, XMP and C2PA chunks alongside animation and transparency information. The exact fields vary by encoder and workflow, so a format name alone does not tell you what is embedded.
JPEG
JPEG scans EXIF, XMP, ICC, confirmed C2PA markers and unsupported IPTC blocks. Mixed workflow XMP is retained and marked for review when removing it could also remove attribution.
PNG
PNG scans text chunks, EXIF, ICC, transparency, animation and caBX Content Credentials. Supported chunks are rebuilt with checksums, while compressed text that cannot be safely expanded remains unresolved.
WebP
WebP scanning reports EXIF, XMP and C2PA chunks plus dimensions, animation and transparency. Cleaning is intentionally disabled; do not treat an inspection result as a cleaned file.
What this tool cannot promise
- Supported does not mean every field in every file.
- No format is promised to be metadata-free.
- The original file is never overwritten.
Quick answer
Does PNG cleaning re-encode the image? No. It rewrites supported metadata chunks and verifies that the encoded image payload remains unchanged.
Primary source: PNG specification.